24 Spoilers

When you need a bad-ass, who better to call than Michael Madsen, who has played that role so well in such films as Reservoir Dogs, Thelma & Louise, Kill Bill and Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home (er…scratch that last one)? Now, the much sought-after 52-year-old has been cast on Fox’s 24 as Jim Ricker, a character sources describe to me as an ex-military guy from Jack Bauer’s past. Meaning, of course, a bad-ass.

Ricker will pop up as the clock ticks toward the final hours of Day Eight, which is looking more and more like Jack’s last day on TV before he heads to the movies.

Although it wasn’t mentioned in the article, I know Madsen has been filming 24 since February. There’s a recent photo of him on the set here. Could Ricker’s ex-military roots tie into the Operation Nightfall mission perhaps? Whatever the case may be, Michael Madsen should be a pretty cool addition to 24 – Madsen has played some great villains in the past.

iF MAGAZINE: When you were on 24 last season, was there any point where they said, “We’d like you to come back next year?”
ANNIE WERSCHING: I was getting hints of that toward the end of the season, but when the season was over, it wasn’t official yet as far as in writing or anything like that. I was actually up for new shows and then I was offered a couple of shows, so we had to go to them and say, “Hey, we need to sign on the dotted line.” So they did.

iF: So your preference was to return to Renee on 24, rather than take a new acting job?
WERSCHING: Yes. It’s such a great show. It’s such a great role.

iF: Did you guess from the first few episodes of last season that Renee’s arc was going to wind up adopting some of Jack’s methods, as far as torturing suspects to get information?
WERSCHING: I knew it was going to be her struggle and her battle for the whole season, but even up to the very last episode in her last scene with Jack, she still is saying, “Please, what do I do? Tell me what to do.” And he actually says, “Don’t do it. Don’t do anything you can’t live with, because I know what it’s like,” living with those decisions that he had made. I knew it was going to be her whole struggle and her whole conflict for the whole season, but I wasn’t sure exactly where it was going to go.

Read the entire interview at iFMagazine.com.

This shouldn’t be a surprise if you’ve seen some of the recent set pictures, but Katee Sackhoff appears to be yet another single-season character on 24. If we do happen to get a Season 9, she won’t be part of it.

“Battlestar Galactica” alumna Katee Sackhoff is set to star in ABC’s untitled Richard Hatem drama pilot.

Sackhoff, who co-stars on Fox’s “24″ this season, fielded multiple offers this pilot season before settling on the Richard Hatem project.

The crime drama centers on a beautiful female detective (Sackhoff) who teams with a disgraced ex-cop to solve crimes and untangle the conspiracy that sent him underground.

The producers of “24″ are tightlipped about any plot twists on the real-time action drama, but it’s understood that Sackhoff’s story line would allow her to take on a new series for next season even if “24″ was to return for a ninth cycle.

Sackhoff, who played Kara “Starbuck” Thrace on “Battlestar Galactica,” toplined NBC’s drama pilot “Lost & Found” last season.

She is repped by Gersh and Bleu.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Episodes 19 and 20 are currently shooting now which means casting notices for the next two episodes are going out. It’s been months since we’ve got one of these! Thanks SpoilerTV:

[BERKOV] Russian Aide to the Russian Delegate working at the UN in NY. Mid 30s to mid 40s. Must be able to do a slight Russian accent.. Should be more upscale. In Episode 22…NICE CO STAR ROLE

[IVAN] Russian chauffeur to the Russian Delegate in his late 20s to early 40s. Must be able to do a slight Russian accent. In Episode 22…NICE CO STAR ROLE.

[RUSSIAN SOLDIERS/MERCENARIES #1 & 2] Russian men in their late 20s to early 40s, they are working for a rogue Russian agent in an attempt to ambush Jack Bauer.. Must be able to do a slight Russian accent. In Episode 21…NICE CO STAR ROLE.

[FEMALE RUSSIAN SOLDIER / MERCENARY #3] Russian woman in her late 20s to late 30s, who is working with the male Russian soldiers/mercenaries to try to ambush Jack Bauer sptv050769. Must be able to do a slight Russian accent. In Episode 21…NICE CO STAR ROLE.

Now this is what I like to hear!

TVGuide.com: How would you say Renee plays into this season?
Wersching: Renee didn’t end Day 7 in a very great place. She obviously went through a lot of changes and was just fighting a lot of stuff and trying to figure out what’s right and what’s wrong. Renee has not had a good time of it in between Day 7 and Day 8, so she comes back pretty damaged and she doesn’t have anything to lose so it makes her pretty dangerous. Last year she had her job to lose, her entire career that she’s built, her partner; she had all this stuff she could lose if she did something the wrong way or went against what she thought were her morals and ethics, but this year, meh.

TVGuide.com: Is that fun to play?
Wersching: It’s really fun. I got to do so much great stuff last year. From where the character began in the first episode in Season 7 to the 24th, I got the greatest arc that you don’t always see. I’m just so excited that somehow it’s so different again this year.

TVGuide.com: How do you think she will help or hinder Jack this season?
Wersching: It’s such an interesting relationship this season because last year they both helped each other in a lot of ways. They both saved each other in a lot of ways. She’s totally now living on the edge and is completely dangerous. She’s trying to help out the new CTU, but she’s definitely not playing by the rules. Jack comes along to try to keep an eye on her and make sure that she doesn’t do anything that can hurt the mission, but I think he really cares about her and wants to make sure that she’s OK because he can obviously tell that something’s off. She has no one to answer to and gets herself into a wee bit of trouble.

Read the full interview over at TVGuide.com

Two video interviews from TCA 2010 courtesy of Access Hollywood:

Video Link: Freddie Prinze Jr. On His New ‘Jack Light’ Role In ‘24’

Video: Katee Sackhoff On Joining ‘24’ & Worshipping Freddie Prinze Jr.

Nominated for an Emmy as mentally unstable First Lady Martha Logan in ‘24,’ Jean Smart says she wanted to return to the hit Fox show — but it’s now too late.

“Well, it’s done now, I think,” Smart told Moviefone at Wednesday’s premiere of ‘Youth in Revolt’ in Hollywood, of the possibility of returning to ‘24.’

“I would have loved to have gone back again,” Smart said. “But I don’t know. I think Martha is in a rubber room somewhere. They kind of inferred that she offed herself. I think she did.”

I believe that Smart is referring to a conversation between Olivia Taylor and Aaron Pierce in episode 7×13: Olivia says “It must’ve been hard for you, what happened to her” to which Aaron replies that he’d rather not talk about it.

I don’t think the writers told Jean Smart any specific information, she is probably just speculating about her characters fate like the rest of us. I loved the Martha Logan character, so I hope she isn’t dead!

Source: AOL

YouTube Link: Kiefer Sutherland 24 Season 8 Video Interview

YouTube Link: Mary Lynn Rajskub 24 Season 8 Video Interview

YouTube Link: Annie Wersching 24 Season 8 Video Interview

YouTube Link: Freddie Prinze Jr 24 Season 8 Video Interview

YouTube Link: Anil Kapoor 24 Season 8 Video Interview

YouTube Link: Katee Sackhoff 24 Season 8 Video Interview

YouTube Link: Mykelti Williamson 24 Season 8 Video Interview

YouTube Link: John Boyd 24 Season 8 Video Interview

And finally an interview with 24’s showrunner Howard Gordon who describes the premise of season 8 and what Jack Bauer has been up to between seasons:

YouTube Link: Howard Gordon 24 Season 8 Video Interview

Sasha in Phoenix, Ariz: I’m so excited to see David Anders on 24! Can you tell us anything about his character?
David Anders’ character on 24 is in league with a bunch of nefarious Russians with access to fissile materials. (They want to make the world go boom.) Anders doesn’t appear live in the Jan. 17-18 eps of 24, but we will see a glimpse of his character in a dossier. Other familiar faces popping up in minor roles in the 24 four-hour premiere include Vampire Diaries’ Paul Wesley as Kim’s baby daddy and The Wire’s Domenick Lombardozzi as a NYC patrolman who doesn’t much like Jack Bauer. Oh, and by the time the first four hours of day eight are done, you’ll find yourself taking Freddie Prinze Jr. seriously. (We were sorta shocked too.)

Source: Watch With Kristen Spoiler Chat

The first four hours of Fox’s “24″ are a welcome return to form. The veteran drama, which shifts to New York City this season, has just enough tweaks on the show’s familiar “conspiracy-complication-minor resolution-deeper conspiracy-bigger complication…” format to feel fresh despite its well-worn mechanics.

I mocked Freddie Prinze Jr. when THR first reported he was cast this season, thinking he might be a distracting drag on the ticket like Janeane Garofalo last year. But the actor is likable here and fits the “24″ universe better than you’d expect. “Battlestar” vet Katee Sackhoff seems frustrated — she’s great when she’s playing moments of total strength or total vulnerability (and best at playing both at the same time). Reacting to computers and phone calls at CTU doesn’t really suit her, she thrives in more active roles. Given that this is “24,” she’ll probably get her turn at bat.

The best addition is Anil Kapoor, best known stateside for his role as the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” host in “Slumdog Millionaire.” He plays an idealized version a Middle East leader with an Elvis-quality pompadour on the verge of signing a historic peace agreement. It’s a painfully standard “24″ part, yet he owns each scene he’s in. I hope producers pair him with Bauer at some point, the two scenery chewing actors going head to head, Kapoor barking his line from “Slumdog”: “It’s my f–king show.”

Check out the full review at The Live Feed

As you prepare to embark on your eighth action-packed day, TVGuide.com thought it wise — after looking into your future (i.e. the first four episodes of 24’s Season 8 ) — to pass on a little advice.

1. Remember to cherish your friends: Chloe O’Brian (Mary Lynn Rajskub) has put her job — and sometimes her life — on the line for you. Though you’d love to hightail it back to Los Angeles, there are more pressing matters in New York.

2. Remember that New York is a world capital: with world issues. These 24 hours will be unlike anything you’ve seen before. The threat is on a much bigger level, involving a nuclear superpower in one of the most volatile places in the world.

3. Remember that you’re an oldie: Sorry, Jack, but this is a new CTU and not everyone knows you like we do. You may not be able to get away with the same tomfoolery you used to. Tread lightly.

4. Remember that no one can be trusted: Keep that in mind while interacting with the new kids. Brian Hastings (Mykelti Williamson), the head honcho at the New York CTU base, may not be on your side. And he’s not always the brightest crayon in the box, so watch your back.

5. Remember that not everyone is a bad guy: Just because someone gets busted doesn’t mean he — or she — is guilty. So even when you think you’ve finished your mission, keep your head in the game.

6. Remember that being good on the job doesn’t make you good at everyday life: While Dana Walsh (Katee Sackhoff) may know more than Chloe the ins and outs of CTU’s New York office, she isn’t as perfect as she seems. We do like her soon-to-be hubby, Cole Ortiz (Freddie Prinze, Jr.) — and we think you will, too.

7. Remember that Renee Walker (Annie Wersching) went through a terrible ordeal last time around: We know you’re worried about her and you’re trying to help her, but seriously, keep a closer eye on Renee. By hour four, you’ll regret agreeing to let her back in the field.

8. Remember that there’s more than meets the eye: You’ve dealt with spies, traitors and moles, so this day should be a piece of cake for you…or not. Be especially mindful of this when it comes to President Omar Hassan (Anil Kapoor).

Source: TVGuide.com

Just a few days ago, Katee Sackhoff had two exclusive pictures of her character (CTU Analyst Dana Walsh) on her official website and today there’s an additional two more. Check them out below:

Source: KateeSackhoff.com

Anil Kapoor, who turned 50 today, is on a roll. His role in the American television series, 24, which premieres in New York on January 14, has been extended from 10 to 16 episodes.

Confirming the boost, Anil says, “Initially, I was under contract for only 10 episodes. Then seeing the way my role developed, they decided to feature me in six more episodes.

Source: Pune Mirror

Here is a new Featurette from Fox that includes Kiefer Sutherland and showrunner Howard Gordon talking about the new season and introducing all the new characters. There is LOTS of new footage in here and it looks great!

YouTube Link

Video thanks to NCM.com

Katee Sackhoff has two exclusive pictures of her character Dana Walsh on her official website. Go check them out!

The TV Addict brings us a closer look at 24’s new Head of CTU, Brian Hastings (played by Mykelti Williamson):

On what separates Brian Hastings from previous heads of CTU: “He’s an a**hole!” jokes the actor of his latest small screen alter-ego. “Well, at least for a while, but then he’ll surprise the audience by doing something redeeming so he can be an a**hole again later on.”

On whether or not he’s at all concerned about the somewhat short life expectancy of recent heads of CTU: “You know, it is what it is. Should Hastings be eliminated at some point before the season is over, then I know they [the writers] have done what’s best. These people in the midst of this process know exactly what they’re doing and to second guess them is foolish. I’m just happy to roll with the punches as long as it works for the show.”

On his new CTU co-workers played by Katee Sackhoff and Freddie Prinze Jr: “I admire them both and I love working with them. Katee is really full of surprises. When you read the script at home, come in and listen to her it’s completely different than what you thought you heard reading it off the page. While Freddie is a lot more creative then I assumed he would be. I thought he was good but he is really, really good.”

For the full article including what Hastings will be wearing during the season, check out TV Addict.

Michael Ausiello reveals an intriguing spoiler in his newest “Ask Ausiello” column.

Question: Is Renee Walker bad this season on 24? I’ve heard rumors that she is. —Stefanie
Ausiello: Depends how you define bad. She has essentially morphed into a female Dexter, so girlfriend’s definitely working through some demons.

Source: Ask Ausiello 12/16

Update:

Question: When you say 24’s Renee has morphed into a female version of Dexter, what exactly do you mean? –Stefanie
Ausiello: She gets off on hurting bad people.

Source: Ask Ausiello 12/22

This was a press interview conducted on the CTU set back in September, but we are just getting the details today. Here are a few of the interesting bits:

Q: Are your fans disappointed that you’re playing an analyst, because they want to see you kick ass?

Sackhoff: Yeah, I came in and sat down with the producers and writers and we had a discussion as far as what they wanted from me and what I wanted to do and hopefully we’ll all meet in the middle so we’ll see. Because I wanted to just blow s**t up and they were like, “I don’t know if we can do that.”

Q: Will we see any former BSG castmates on 24?
Sackhoff: Callum [Keith Rennie]’s on the show. I pushed for that because I didn’t get to see him at the very end and I was like, “Oh, Leoben.” And I’m really good friends with Callum so I was like, “I want to work with Callum again!” So when they cast him and the whole bouncing around of his name was happening, I was calling him going, “Close the deal, you asshole.” He’s like, ‘Well, I don’t know if I can. I have to do this thing in Canada.” And I was like, “Just close the deal!” But when he showed up, I had no scenes with him. Isn’t that horrible? The crew is coming up to me. They’re like, “Callum’s so lovely. We love him. He’s such a great guy.” I was like, “I haven’t seen him yet.”

Check out the full interview over at IGN.

Source: IGN TV

TV Guide’s Mickey O’Connor and Adam Bryant share some more info from the 24 season 8 premiere:

I’m dying for 24 to start again. What will the new cast members be up to? — Cassandra
MICKEY: You’ve probably heard Cole Ortiz (Freddie Prinze Jr.) described as a mini-Jack, but I bet you haven’t heard Dana Walsh (Katee Sackhoff) described as a duplicitous liar. Now you have! Also: Jennifer Westfeldt’s ambitious journalist will do anything for the story — including use those feminine wiles I’ve heard so much about.

Source: TV Guide